Here is one for you....
While looking at using Wii contorller parts for a different project, I stumbled upon this page:
http://www.wiili.org/Wiimote
The Wii remote has up/down/left/right button, A button, B trigger, 1 button, 2 button, + button, - button, and Home button.
In addition to that there is the 3 axis accelerometer values and the IR sensor image cordinate values.
There is also feedback via the player LEDs, speaker, and rumble.

Not enough inputs? just add the Nunchuck !

Surely some very motivated individual could make use of this.

DO NOT take the kids Wii remote!
Ensure that the kids are not playing the Wii while you are trying to move the Z axis !!!! LOL

Steve